JAKARTA - Indonesia and France are accelerating the realization of cooperation in museums and cultural heritage by forming operational steps through a special cultural team. This agenda was discussed in a meeting between the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia and the French Ambassador Fabien Penone at the Office of the Ministry of Culture, Jakarta, Tuesday (27/1).
This meeting follows up on the agreement of the two countries during the meeting of President Prabowo Subianto and President Emmanuel Macron at Borobudur in May 2025. The French government introduced a task force consisting of the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, Grand Palais RMN, and École du Louvre to execute the program based on Indonesia's needs.
Six collaborations were discussed, including film and audiovisual, museums, joint collection studies of the École Française d'Extrême-Orient, to strengthening the management and economic value of museums and heritage sites. "The Borobudur Declaration is the foundation for long-term cooperation with museums and heritage sites as an entry point for cultural diplomacy," said the Minister of Culture.
Indonesia also presented the findings of the oldest cave art in the world in Muna which is around 67,800 years old as well as strengthening the management of the Sangiran Site. This topic is considered to open up research, conservation, and development of scientific narratives with French institutions.
Fabien Penone said Indonesia is a strategic partner for France in prehistoric and cultural studies. "This cooperation builds solutions from Indonesia's needs, including strengthening museums, education, and academic mobility," he said.
The initial phase focuses on increasing the economic value of museums through digital technology, the development of commercial areas, and museology and conservation training, with the National Museum targeted as a model. The two countries also strengthen the scholarship and academic mobility scheme through the French-LPDP program.
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